Polly Whybrow joins S&S Children's UK

Polly Whybrow is moving to Simon & Schuster Children’s UK from Bloomsbury to take up the role of senior commissioning editor for picture books.

Whybrow, who has worked with an array of bestselling authors and illustrators including Laura Ellen Anderson, Sarah Massini and Deborah Allwright, will report to Helen Mackenzie Smith, editorial director for picture books, starting in early January 2020. She assumes the role vacated by Holly Tonks who is leaving S&S in December to take up a lectureship on the MA Children’s Publishing course at Bath Spa University.

Rachel Denwood, m.d. of S&S Children’s UK, said: “Our exemplary editorial director Helen Mackenzie Smith sets the gold standard in picture book publishing and is taking the S&S list in a thrilling direction. We’re delighted to attract an editor of Polly Whybrow’s experience, expertise and wonderful enthusiasm to work with Helen and our fantastic design team as we set our sights on UK and global growth." 

She added: "I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Holly Tonks who has been a complete joy to work with, and who has nurtured her authors and illustrators with great care and expertise.”

Whybrow said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the S&S children's team at such an exciting time. I have long admired their commitment to the very best children's publishing, their unrivalled author care, and exceptional picture books. While sad to be saying goodbye to my brilliant colleagues at Bloomsbury, working with Rachel, Helen and the rest of the team was an irresistible opportunity.”